Benefit held for a wounded warrior

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A Marine who lost both of his legs will be a little closer to independence, thanks to a national charity.

Homes For Our Troops is working on giving Marine Cpl. Chris Montgomery his independence back.

A “Poker Run” on Sunday, July 29 benefited Montgomery’s new house, which is being built for him by the charity. Participants began to sign-in at 11 a.m. at VFW post 49.

The charity will build a home specifically designed with Montgomery’s needs. The Marine lost both his legs and suffered a number of other injuries when an IED exploded in Afghanistan.

“The doors will be electronically opened and the bathrooms are going to be convenient,” said Chris’ father, Reggie Montgomery.

Groundbreaking for the high-tech house is set for August 24.

“He will be independent now. He could not have moved into a normal home and have lived independently, so this is just a God send,” said Debra Yates, Chris’ mother.

Local businesses donated items for a silent auction and the Marine Corps League in Baldwin County donated $1,000 toward Montgomery, who is currently in San Antonio for rehabilitation.

Reggie Montgomery said his son has had more than 30 operations and has been in rehab for almost a year-and-a-half.

“It's just amazing, but it’s still pretty emotional,” he said.

Yates said the journey of watching her son recover has been hard on her, but the journey is almost over. When Montgomery is out of the hospital and back in Mobile, he will have a place of his own.

That’s something his entire family is looking forward to.

“I can never get down or depressed about it. His spirit is so high, his attitude is so positive and he is determined he is going to go forward and live a normal life,” Yates said.

If you're interested in registering to help or donating, you can do so on the Homes for our Troops website . Building materials are also welcomed donations.